** The next update will be produced as conditions change**
information released
The Blue Lake Fire, which started on August 14, continues to burn in the area surround Blue Lake, just a couple miles southwest of Washington Pass, 13 miles southwest of Mazama, and 24 miles west of Winthrop, WA. It is currently estimated at 555 acres. The fire sits at 32% containment with 123 firefighting personnel assigned. The cause of the fire is undetermined.
State Route 20 North Cascades Highway is currently open. A pilot car will direct traffic between Blue Lake Trailhead (MP 162) to Rainy Pass (MP 158) during periods of operational activity. Expect delays due to one way traffic. The road is open for through-travel and drivers are not permitted to stop along the highway between MP 162 and MP 158. For public safety we encourage travelers to take alternative routes. The Blue Lake Fire is under a temporary flight restriction – no drone deployment is permitted. If you fly, we can’t.
For more information, check WSDOT pass report for SR20 https://wsdot.com/travel/real-time/mountainpasses/North-Cascade-Hwy All trailhead area closures remain in effect.
Closed trails and all associated trailheads:
- Trail No. 2000 Pacific Crest Trail, from boundary of North Cascades National Park north to the junction with Trail No. 728 Snowy Lakes
- Trail No. 310 Rainy Lake
- Trail No. 314 Blue Lake
- Trail No. 426 Copper Pass
- Trail No. 432 Twisp Pass
- Trail No. 483 Cutthroat Pass
- Trail No. 483A Cutthroat Lake
- Trail No. 535 Lone Fir
- Trail No. 585 Washington Pass Overlook
- Trail No. 740 Maple Pass
- Trail No. 740.1 Lake Ann
- Trail No. 727 Liberty Bell
- Trail No. 727A Beckey Spur
- Trail No. 727B N Early Winters Spur
- Trail No. 2172 Stiletto Spur
Developed Campgrounds Closed: Lone Fir Campground The Pacific Crest Trail is closed through this area. Check PCTA for closure information https://www.pcta.org/discoverthe-trail/closures/washington/.
Closures are also in effect for areas of North Cascades National Park due to the Blue Lake Fire. See https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/fire-closures.htm for more information.
Moisture and instability will increase over the area today with showers and thunderstorms developing in the morning. The greatest instability will be in the afternoon. Most rainfall amounts will be light, with a slight chance of heavier amounts underneath the core of the cells. Nearby showers and thunderstorms may cause gusty outflow winds of 20-30 mph. A return to dry and warm conditions is forecast for Saturday.
Blue Lake Fire activity is moderate with backing, flanking, and isolated torching. Crews had successful burn out operations Thursday on the southwest flank of the fire near Copper Creek. Crews will continue to monitor burn out areas, connect handlines, and improve containment.
You can help by continuing to do your part to reduce the risk of human-caused fires and following campfire restrictions: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/okawen/alerts-notices/?cid=fsbdev3_053600
